Know Him

This is where I belong….

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~John 15:5~

I love learning how things grow, especially fruit trees. Because of wind or snow loads, branches can break or become damaged. In order to properly balance a tree, a new limb needs to be grafted onto the existing trunk.

The fact that a limb from another tree can be grafted into the host tree is an amazing process. Once the branch is carefully placed on the tree, it will begin to receive nourishment from the trunk, causing it to eventually become permanently secured so that it can bear fruit.

Of course, the branch by itself can do nothing. In order for it to produce fruit, or even live, it must be grafted into a source of energy, a source of life.

In a similar manner, I can see how insignificant my role in ministry is compared to the work of the Holy Spirit. John 15 reminds us that our source of true energy and strength comes from Christ Jesus. When we abide in Him, we have life!

It is God’s will that every single believer be filled with the Spirit— that moment by moment we walk in His guidance and power. He is our life source. If we are to be truly effective we must be under the influence and control of His Spirit. If we are tapped in to His power, we can expect that the fruits of the Spirit (joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, gentleness, etc.) will prevail.

I’ve noticed it in my own life. The more I tap into Him(rest in Him), the more I’m able to pass grace, goodness, and love on to others. If I’m to produce works of service that honor and glorify God, I need to be grafted into Him. The Apostle Paul realized that his own might and power were not enough to sustain the work he had been called to do. Paul relied on the Holy Spirit to fill him during many trying times, and he urges us to do the same: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.” ~Col.2:6-7~

Godly character and good works is not something I can do in the flesh. My responsibility is to rest in Him and trust in Him to do in me, through me and for me. “Abiding” is really just trusting God to provide the source of power and inspiration that enables us to be successful and purposeful in our daily living. It comes through a living relationship with Jesus.

Who or what are you trusting in today? Only God can provide the strength we need to face tomorrow.